Traditional Brick & Block Construction

Written by tim anderson

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Bricks and blocks are traditional building materials around the world. (Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images)

Brick and block construction is among the oldest of building techniques known to man, going back to the clay bricks of the ancient Egyptians and the traditional mason blocks of the modern era, which evolved from the Romans. Bricks and blocks are suitable for a wide variety of projects, and are some of the most durable types of building materials available. They stand up to the test of time, being nearly impervious to water-based damage, including rot, over the years.

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Foundations

Mason blocks, or concrete blocks, are the most common type of building material used in the construction of foundations for homes and offices around the world. When combined with cement and rebar for additional reinforcement, block foundations are nearly impervious to any type of damage, and can very literally last a lifetime and beyond if the proper installation methods are used. While the type of block used can vary depending on the type of building, traditional mason blocks are the standard for most construction projects.

Retaining Walls

A retaining wall is any type of wall built to hold back dirt or earth that would otherwise slide down and eventually cover the lower areas, such as along a walkway. While they can be built with bricks as well as mason blocks, the more common method of construction is to use solid mason blocks that are laid together and either stacked tightly or held together with some type of cement mortar to keep the wall in place to resist the force of nature over the years.

Brick Facades

Many houses and buildings have brick and mortar as part of their facade Bricks can be used to either cover the face of an existing block wall or can be installed in intricate, interweaving patterns to create a brick wall that makes up the face and provides support for the wall. When combined with reinforced concrete, brick facades provide a classic look and durability.

Walkways

Bricks are a common, traditional material used to create walkways, and are decorative as well as utilitarian. They can be installed with or without concrete, and are a solid choice when deciding on a type of material to use for the walkways in your yard or garden areas.